Chrysler recalls 370 000 trucks, SUVs

.Recall includes Ram 1500 pickups, some of which have been privately imported to South Africa.

Chrysler is recalling 370 297 bakkies and SUV around the world because a loose fastener could cause the rear axle to lock up and make the driver lose control.

The recall, which expands on another recall announced in the third quarter of 2012, affects 278 222 vehicles in the United States, 63 321 in Canada, 23 767 in Mexico and 4987 in the rest of the world, Chrysler said.

While Chrysler South Africa doesn’t bring in any of the affected models, a number of Ram bakkies have been privately imported. Chrysler SA spokesman Richard Sloman advised owners of these vehicles to get in touch with the dealerships where they bought them to find out whether their Rams were affected.

Chrysler said it was recalling some Ram 1500 pickups from model years 2009 to 2012, Dode Dakota pickup trucks from model years 2009 - 2011 and 2009-model Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs.

A Chrysler spokesman said the US automaker was aware of 15 accidents related to the recall, but no injuries.

In October 2012, Chrysler recalled more than 44 000 Dakotas and Ram 1500 pickups for the same problem. Further review of customer complaints and field reports, however, showed the problem also existed for vehicles not covered by the first recall, according to documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler said some rear axles were assembled with a fastener that can loosen and lead to failure. It said its dealers would install a retainer, at no cost to customers, that secures the fastener.

The recall was expected to begin in March, according to NHTSA documents. - Reuters

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